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BgVV Information pamphlet published on "Foods and Genetic Engineering"

04/1999, 24.03.1999

The current debate about the use of genetic engineering methods in the production of foods has caused unease amongst many consumers. With its information pamphlet "Foods and Genetic Engineering", the Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine, BgVV would like to inform the consumer and help to encourage a more objective debate.

In the introductory chapter the pamphlet answers the question as to what genetic engineering is and provides an overview of the potential behind this biotechnology. In another chapter it highlights the applications, drawing on several examples, of genetic engineering methods in agriculture and the food industry.

The pamphlet also focuses in detail on the subject of safety assessment. Using the example of genetically modified soya beans it explains how the competent control authorities have assessed the risks which could be associated with genetically modified soya beans when they are used as food or food ingredients. It also provides information about the risk potential from antibiotic resistant genes contained in some of the genetically modified plants which are currently authorised for food production or are going through authorisation procedures. Antibiotic resistant genes are used for marking (marker genes) plant cells in which a genetic modification was made. In this way it is possible to distinguish between cells into which alien genes have been successfully incorporated and those in which the gene transfer was not successful. For reasons of preventive consumer protection, BgVV, as the initial assessment authority for novel foods and other German authorities advise against the use of such antibiotic resistant genes today. There are now alternative methods available which can be used for this differentiation.

An overview of the statutory framework for the use of genetic engineering in food production and on methods for the detection of genetic modification in foods as well as an extensive list of literature and a glossary on the subject are the other features in this pamphlet.

On receipt of a stamped (DM 3) addressed C5 envelope, the pamphlet "Food and Genetic Engineering" will be mailed out free of charge from the BgVV Press and Public Relations Office.

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